Transferring programs etc to new computer

My computer has become very slow and as it is a few years old I am thinking of buying a new one. I have several applications on the existing computer, e.g. Quicken,bank accounts etc, with associated data files. How do I transfer these to a new computer ? I also have Windows XP, with which I am quite happy - can I transfer that or should I use the operating system supplied with the new computer.

Data files are very easy to transfer to a new system. Programs will almost certainly need to be installed on the new system from the original CD, the only exception being .exe files that run as stand alone programs. Whether your programs will be compatible with Win 7 is another matter, you may need to upgrade to later versions, try them and see is the only real advice I can give. As for using XP on a new machine there are several hurdles to jump. Is it a retail copy or O.E.M. as O.E.M. dies with the machine it was originally installed on. Are there drivers available to allow you to install XP on the new machine, that could be the real killer.

To transfer data etc, use the easy transfer system that is built into W7. You will need to download an easy transfer file to the XP machine. I've just taken possesion of a W7 PC and am very happy with it, so would suggest you try it and see.